𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 | azriel

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫

For the second morning in a row, Azriel awoke on Flavia's couch. His neck was positioned at a weird angle and his wings held a dull ache. But he couldn't be happier. The scent from the kitchen wafted over to him as he opened his eyes. Quiet humming came from the kitchen that seemed to awaken his shadows, they rose around him before slithering their way into the kitchen. Despite his still tired disposition, Azriel followed.

What he was greeted to was the sight of Flavia spinning around her kitchen as she prepared a breakfast that could rival anything the House of Wind could create. Azriel couldn't understand how she had the time for this, it was still early in the–

"Good morning, Azriel," Flavia greeted. "Or should I say good afternoon? You have slept the whole day away."

Azriel's eyes widened. He was not sure when he had ever slept past six in the morning. Seven was considered a lie in for him. But as Azriel looked out of the large bay window, the sun was high in the sky. Despite it being winter, it looked pleasant outside.

"I'm making some lunch, if you want any," Flavia said, serving some food onto a plate. "But for you, it would be considered breakfast?" Her teasing tone forced Azriel to send a playful glare her way.

"Why didn't you wake me?" Azriel questioned as Flavia passed a plate of food to him.

Flavia shrugged. "You looked peaceful and I didn't want to interrupt that."

"I don't normally sleep past seven," Azriel stated.

"I could tell," Flavia remarked. "Those bags under your eyes were clear of that."

Flavia placed her plate down on the countertop. Azriel watched as she walked forward and gently placed her hands on his upper arms. At that simple touch, Azriel felt some of the tension in his body fade. "What are you doing?" he asked.

"Look," Flavia said and spun him around to face a small mirror on her wall. "The bags are not completely gone, but they have faded. When was the last time you had a decent sleep?"

"Too long," Azriel said, his gaze fixated on his reflection.

Before now, he had not realised how tired he was. If it were a typical day for him, he would wake and immediately begin training, not giving his body a chance to catch up to his exhaustion. He hadn't felt this well-rested in a long time.

"If I knew how tired you were, I would have let you sleep in my bed, not on the couch, that could not have been comfortable for your wings," Flavia said, sitting down at the small dining table in the bay window, perfectly fit for two people.

"I wouldn't have allowed it," Azriel said. "I am simply taking advantage of the situation I have found myself in."

Flavia raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

Azriel let out a quiet laugh. "Well I get free food for starters."

"You'll pay me back," Flavia stated.

"And how would you want me to pay you back?" Azriel questioned.

Flavia shrugged. "I haven't decided yet, but I'll let you know when I do."

Azriel raised the fork to his mouth and took a bit of the food. He hummed in appreciation, closing his eyes and appreciating the various flavours that burst into his mouth.

"What is this?" Azriel asked.

"Another recipe my father used to make me," Flavia said. "I only make it on special occasions."

"And this is a special occasion?" Azriel asked.

"Yes," Flavia stated. "Because you have ticked another thing from the list."